What is a virtual phone number, and how does it work?
A virtual phone number is a number that isn’t tied to one SIM card or physical phone line. Instead, calls and texts are routed over the internet or a carrier network to the device or service you use to access the number. When someone contacts your virtual number, the call or message can be delivered to an app, a web browser, or even forwarded to an existing phone number.
Virtual numbers come in several different types. For example, an individual might use a second-line app to keep work calls off their personal number, while a business might need a full cloud-based phone service to manage its team. Travelers might use voice and SMS add-ons that work alongside a mobile data plan. Whichever type you choose, the number itself can be local, mobile, national, or toll free, depending on the service and country.
One important distinction is that a virtual number can handle calls and texts, but it doesn’t provide mobile data on its own. If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll still need Wi-Fi, roaming, or a mobile data connection — for example, through an eSIM. If you’re unfamiliar with the technology, learn more about what an eSIM is.
How can I get a virtual phone number?
You can get a virtual phone number in a few simple steps:
Choose a provider based on whether you need the phone number for personal, business, or travel use.
Create an account with your email address and basic personal information.
Pick a country and area code from the numbers available.
Complete verification using an existing phone number and, if required, an ID or proof of address — requirements may vary by provider.
Activate the number by paying for a plan or selecting a free option.
Most providers ask for an email address and an existing phone number for verification. Some countries also require identity documents or proof of address. App-based virtual numbers are often active within minutes, but in more regulated countries approval can take several days.
Virtual phone service providers range from free, ad-supported apps, such as TextNow, to paid VoIP platforms and travel options. In the case of the paid services, the cost of a virtual phone number varies depending on the provider and features you need. For example, Google Voice offers a free personal tier and paid plans starting at US$10.00 per month. Saily’s US phone number starts at US$0.99 per month, with call and SMS plans available from an additional $0.99.
You can get another phone number in several ways, but the best virtual phone number option depends on how you intend to use it. For travelers, Saily combines mobile data in 200+ destinations with an optional US-based number for phone calls and SMS, while virtual phone services such as Google Voice and TextNow work better as standalone second-number options.
To make the choice easier, take a look at how the main options compare:
Option | How you get it | Number type | Typical setup time | Best for |
|---|
Saily eSIM voice and SMS add-on | Add it to a Saily data plan in the Saily app — no QR code is needed. | US-based number — local calls only | Minutes | Travelers who want mobile data in 200+ destinations plus a US number for calls and SMS |
|---|
Google Voice | Sign in with a Google account and complete US eligibility and identity verification. | US number | Minutes to a few days | US users who want a second number for calls, texts, and voicemail |
|---|
TextNow | Sign up through the free, ad-supported app or website. | US or Canadian number | Minutes | Casual calling and texting over Wi-Fi or mobile data |
|---|
Cloud business phone platform | Sign up online and choose a per-user subscription. | Local, toll-free, or international numbers | Minutes to a day or more | Teams that need call routing, extensions, and shared business features |
|---|
Local prepaid SIM or carrier eSIM abroad | Buy from a local carrier on arrival or online before your trip. | Number local to that country | Minutes to hours | Longer stays where you need a domestic phone number |
|---|
How to get a virtual US phone number
To get a virtual US phone number, sign up with a provider that issues US numbers, choose an available area code, and complete any required account verification.
For travelers, Saily offers a US-based phone number as an add-on to its data eSIM, with support for calls and SMS. Unlike Google Voice, Saily doesn’t require you to be in the US or verify with an existing US phone number, although identity verification is required before activation. You can also pair it with a US eSIM data plan. So if you’re comparing the best eSIM with phone number options for travel, managing your data and US number in the same app keeps things simple — one less account to juggle while you’re on the road.
With Saily’s phone number add-on, you can make and receive incoming calls while traveling in any supported country, while your number remains US based. International calls aren’t supported, so you may still want to use apps such as WhatsApp or FaceTime when calling internationally.
Make sure you keep your regular carrier number available for important verification codes. Some banks and online services don’t accept certain virtual or VoIP numbers for SMS authentication.
💡 Good to know: If you’re a business traveler researching how to get a virtual business phone number in the US, a VoIP service may be a better fit. It offers more business-focused features, such as extensions and call routing. Learn more about what a VoIP phone is.
Which eSIM plans come with a phone number?
Most travel eSIMs are data only, and just a small number of providers offer a voice and SMS add-on that gives you a callable phone number. Saily’s voice and SMS add-on attaches a real US-based phone number to a Saily data plan. You can manage the phone number in the Saily eSIM app alongside mobile data for 200+ destinations.
Dedicated VoIP apps may offer more advanced call-handling features, such as routing, extensions, and voicemail transcription. The trade-off is that they still need an internet connection, which means arranging roaming or mobile data from another provider while abroad. For travelers who want both services, Saily keeps the data plan and phone number together in one app.
Saily Ultra offers a higher-tier option with unlimited data in 120+ destinations, airport lounge and fast-track benefits, plus NordVPN, NordPass, NordLocker, and Incogni. Current Ultra plans include a phone number, with the Plus and Premium plans providing 30 GB of high-speed data before speeds are limited to up to 1 Mbps. Ultra subscriptions renew automatically and can be canceled before the next renewal.
💡 Good to know: Some carrier services can also place calls over Wi-Fi instead of a cellular signal. Learn more about how Wi-Fi calling works.
How to get a free virtual phone number
Free virtual phone numbers are available through ad-supported apps and a small number of free tiers. To get one, create an account with a free provider, choose from the available area codes, and use the number regularly so it isn’t reclaimed for inactivity.
Free plans can come with a few trade-offs. You may see ads, get less customer support, or have fewer calling features. Some virtual phone number providers may also recycle your number if you stop using it for a while. Verification can be another issue — certain free accounts restrict verification codes, and some banks, social platforms, and other services won’t accept VoIP numbers for two-factor authentication.
A free virtual number is usually fine for short-term needs like a marketplace listing or side project. It’s less suitable for a permanent business line or accounts protected by two-factor authentication. You should also check whether you can port the number to another provider later if you think you might want to keep it.
We do our best to keep everything accurate and up to date, but eSIM service provider prices, plans, and features can change quickly. If you spot something that seems outdated or incorrect, feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected] — we’d really appreciate the heads-up!
